This week, Tuesday, October 12, Kalamazoo Public Library celebrates its 138th birthday!

We opened to the general public on October 12, 1872, not too long after the Civil War, with 2,800 books. The basis for this collection was 123 volumes given to the local school district in 1860. We continued to be a school district public library and governed by the school board until 1990 when citizens voted to form an independent district library with its own board of trustees.

Those of us to whom the library is currently entrusted, are well aware of our long history. Those who came before us made solid decisions, adapted library services to changing times. We strive to do likewise—continue the solid foundation on which KPL has been built but recognize that patron needs and expectations have changed too. We need to be relevant to our times, just as our predecessors were to theirs.

Kalamazoo Public Library History

This week, Tuesday, October 12, Kalamazoo Public Library celebrates its 138th birthday!

We opened to the general public on October 12, 1872, not too long after the Civil War, with 2,800 books. The basis for this collection was 123 volumes given to the local school district in 1860. We continued to be a school district public library and governed by the school board until 1990 when citizens voted to form an independent district library with its own board of trustees.

Those of us to whom the library is currently entrusted, are well aware of our long history. Those who came before us made solid decisions, adapted library services to changing times. We strive to do likewise—continue the solid foundation on which KPL has been built but recognize that patron needs and expectations have changed too. We need to be relevant to our times, just as our predecessors were to theirs.

Come visit soon. We’ll have something that is relevant to you.

Book

Kalamazoo Public Library History

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Posted by Ann Rohrbaugh at 10/08/2010 01:45:19 PM |

Happy 138th! I just read up on the KPL history and viewed the gallery pictures. Great to know of the library's history in our city. I love KPL and all of the wonderful services it provides.

Thanks KPL, for all the valuable knowledge you have given me over many years.

You are an incredible asset to this wonderful community.Posted by: Peg Alofs Becker ( Email ) at 10/12/2010 1:58 PM

Happy Birthday KPL! I've been a library user since I was a kid and I really enjoy visiting and I usually leave with something to read, watch, or listen to. Keep up the great work-hopefully the library will be around for many more years of reading.Posted by: Amy Mesara ( Email ) at 10/12/2010 9:29 PM

Happy Birthday KPL! Thank you to the Board and Director for your dynamic commitment as literature and media stewards to our community. KPL is a wellspring of knowledge and information and a monumental service to our community. Amazingly, the essence of it all is now at our fingertips!Posted by: Mary Reaume ( Email ) at 10/21/2010 10:26 AM